Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from loss to Duke in Week 2

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 14: Wendell Carter Jr #34 of the Duke Blue Devils is fouled by Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartansduring the State Farm Champions Classic at the United Center on November 14, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Duke defeated Michigan State 88-81. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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1. Michigan State is as talented as any team in the country

Watching Michigan State face off with Duke on Tuesday night was a treat for college basketball fans. Not only were these teams No. 1 and No. 2 in the country, there may not be a team that’s close at No. 3 — maybe Arizona. The game to follow, Kansas vs. Kentucky, was nowhere near the caliber of the first game.

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Despite losing to Duke by seven, the Spartans proved that they can hang with anyone, including the Blue Devils. Sure, Duke was without Marvin Bagley, but the Spartans were keeping it close even with the talented freshman healthy.

Right now, Duke is clearly the best team in the country, but it’s still early in the season and anything can happen down the line. The thing is, this Michigan State team hasn’t even truly scratched the surface. The Spartans are just as talented as the Blue Devils, but Duke executed and was more disciplined on Tuesday night.

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The Blue Devils and the Spartans may just meet up again later in the season for this little thing called the Final Four. These are the two best teams in college basketball, and they proved that on Tuesday night.

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